MANILA – Basilan Steel Spikers Amin-Anak Mindanao partylist is tempering expectations ahead of the 2021 PNVF Champions League men’s division from Nov.r 29 to Dec. 4 at the Aquamarine Sports Complex in Lipa, Batangas.
Steel Spikers team manager Dr. Arnel Hajan said the squad, composed of a selection of players from Mindanao, will be giving their best in their first foray as a volleyball club.
“This might be our first tournament as a volleyball club but our players are experienced so expect tough and exciting games from us. We will give our best in each game,” Hajan said.
“As for our goal in PNVF Champions League, syempre our first target is makarating sa Final Four, then we will take it one game at a time and, who knows, we might be able to reach the top,” he added.
The Steel Spikers is to be led by former University of Santo Tomas standout Jayson Sarabia, Esmail Kasim of the University of Perpetual Help, Al-Frazin Abdulwahab of De La Salle University, Mohammad Sulayman, Razz Palisoc, and Mark Enciso.
Also part of the Basilan team were Joel Villonson, Joshua Barrica, Aldren Banaag, Christian John Gatdula, Ricardo Reyes, Rasadan Hassan, Marky Ricafrente, and Alnasim Amilbahar.
Calling the shots for Basilan Steel Spikers were Sabtal Abdul while Ariel dela Cruz and Alnasil Dulahid will serve as his assistant coaches. Team owner is congressman Mujiv Hataman.
“Sumali kami sa PNVF Champions League because gusto namin maging inspiration ng mga kabataan ang paglalaro para na rin umiwas sila sa masamang gawain,” Hataman said.
“Aside from that, gusto rin naming makilala ang Basilan sa sports like basketball and now volleyball. In a way, ito ay magiging tulay para malaman ng ating mga kababayan na ang Basilan ay tahimik at maunlad na from terrorism to tourism,” he added.
Steel Spikers is bracketed in Group A along with Go For Gold Air Aguilas and Manileno Spikers. Teams in Group B, meanwhile, were Global Remit, Sabong International Spikers, MRT-Negros and Team Dasma Monarchs./PN
